Career Transition | Ask Uncle Gary

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Eleven Months Later

Altadena, CA. Nearly a year after the Eaton Fire carved its way through the foothills, the town is still living in its shadow. Eleven months sounds like enough time for life to snap back into place, but for many families, the calendar doesn’t match reality. People are still scattered across borrowed bedrooms, spare couches, and motel rooms that were never meant to be home. Entire neighborhoods feel like they’re holding their breath.

Dec 30, 2025

I was a research scientist at a major pharmaceutical company until I got laid off

Dear Uncle Gary, I was a research scientist at a major pharmaceutical company until I got laid off. My wife is an attorney at a top law firm, and she’s doing very well. When the layoff happened, we talked it through and agreed I’d stay home with the kids for a while. It made sense at the time. She had the momentum, and I figured I’d take a breather, be the steady parent, and maybe even enjoy it. That was six months ago. Now I’m having second thoughts. I love my kids, but I mi